"Occupy till I come." Troubling times arrived with the interrogation and condemnation of Jesus. The religious leaders declared, "...we will not have [Jesus] rule over us." This rejection led to the end of Jesus' physical ministry and his life. His disciples and followers were also considered transgressors. Now the followers of Christ are responsible for the will of God that is accomplished in the earth. My peace is not as the world gives. Jesus is not able to help or intervene directly; it's our job. We must hear the Word of God for guidance. Three ways to know when you have been regenerated: 1) Keep the commandments; 2) Spirit of God bears witness to us; and 3) love the brethren (with actions).
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Matthew 26:31-35; Mark 14:27-31; Luke 22:31-34; John 13:36-38
WHEN THEY came to the Mount of Olives, Jesus said to his disciples:
“All ye shall be offended because of me this night; for it is written, ‘I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.’ But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.”
Peter replied, saying:
“Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet I will never be offended.”
Jesus answered him:
“Verily I say unto thee that this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.”
Peter answered:
“Though I should die with thee, yet I will not deny thee.”
All the disciples said the same.
Then Jesus said to his disciples:
“When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing?”
The disciples replied:
“Nothing.”
Jesus spoke to them, saying:
“But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip; and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. For I say unto you that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, ‘And he was reckoned among the transgressors.’ For the things concerning me have an end.”
The disciples answered:
“Lord, behold, here are two swords.”
Jesus answered:
“It is enough.”
One of the disciples–Judas, but not Iscariot–asked Jesus:
“Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?”
Jesus replied:
“If a man love me, he will keep my words; and my Father will love him and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my...
